More backing for Gaelic broadcasting in Scotland

Sheona Small

Gaelic broadcasting is to continue receiving from the Scottish government.

MG Alba, which launched in September 2008 to ensure high-quality Gaelic television programmes are available to viewers in Scotland, is to receive £1 million in funding, although previous support from the UK government was cut in November.

The funding for 2016/17 follows a previous investment from the Scottish government of £1m for 2014-16 and is in addition to core funding of £11.8m.

MG Alba runs the digital television channel BBC Alba in partnership with BBC Scotland and its output has included comedy Two Days in October and Bannan, which is filmed on Skye, and is the first Gaelic drama to be made since Machair in the 1990s.

Along with CBeebies, it also commissioned a television adaption of Mairi Hedderwick’s Katie Morag books. The show is filmed on Lewis in the Western Isles.

Minister for Scotland’s Languages Alasdair Allan said: “I have no doubt that Gaelic broadcasting adds significant value to important areas of Gaelic development, whether that’s in education, in the community or at home.

“The impact and benefits of MG Alba are felt across Scotland, and it has an impressive economic impact - this is unique and this funding will enable these areas to increase employment, skills and training.”